Best of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands

Rancho San Miguel [1]: This stable comes into its own on Saturday night when it hosts an Andalusian horse show offering a dramatic display of fine horsemanship.

Fina Hatched to Fly Free [2]: Visits are strictly by appointment at this private breeding center for endangered macaws. Serious bird-watchers and nature lovers will be enthralled.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens [3]: The world’s largest butterfly enclosure, an aviary, snake and frog exhibits, hiking trails, and spectacular waterfalls highlight a visit to this nature theme park. It also has a fine restaurant and luxurious accommodations.

Poás Volcano National Park [4]: Imagine, a drive-in volcano! You can park near the summit, then walk to the crater rim of this steaming volcano. As a bonus, you’re blessed with stupendous views.

Taller Eloy Alfaro [5]: An astonishing workshop where traditional carretas (oxcarts) are still made in traditional fashion, with power supplied by a waterwheel.

Zoo Ave [6]: A Noah’s Ark–ful of critters are displayed at this well-run zoo offering close-up encounters with animals and birds you may not wish to meet in the wild. All the favorites are here, from monkeys to the big cats.

Los Ángeles Cloud Forest Reserve [7]: There are no quetzals here, but sloths, monkeys galore, and countless bird species inhabit this mountain-crest mist-shrouded forest with nature trails, an INBio Station, and a fantastic hotel atop the Continental Divide.

Café Britt [8]: Workers in campesino outfits provide an entertaining entrée to the world of coffee, including theatrical skits and ending with your favorite beverage.

Irazú Volcano National Park [9]: The drive up Irazú Volcano is a scenic switchback made more fun by the anticipation of magnificent views from the summit.

San Gerardo de Dota [10]: Here you’ll find a paradisiacal valley with a magnificent climate, a choice of delightful accommodations, and bird-watching—including quetzal-viewing—as good as anywhere in the nation.